Closing health equity gaps: CSF Scholars explore careers in medicine

The medical field is a rapidly growing industry, and the demand for healthcare professionals, particularly professionals who represent the diverse communities they serve, is on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2021 to 2031, resulting in approximately 2 million new jobs.

That’s why the University of Washington’s Center for Workforce Inclusion and Health System Equity, Doctor for a Day, and SOAR Outreach Program offered by the Seattle Science Foundation partnered with CSF to introduce high school students to the world of medicine and inspire them to pursue careers in this exciting field.

Two exciting hands-on career site visits took place as a result of this year’s partnership efforts.  The first was in March and brought 13 students from Marysville Pilchuck High School to the Seattle Science Foundations’ state-of-the-art facility in downtown Seattle. Students engaged with highly respected surgeons and health professionals from a variety of fields and attended a series of presentations and panels where they learned about healthcare disparities. Students also spoke with doctors and medical students about their journeys and careers. To make the experience even more hands-on, students were able to practice suturing and learned about the ear, nose and throat anatomy on models. Through these activities, students were able to gain insight into the different careers in the medical field and explore their interests.

The second event took place during spring break at the UW Medical Center. Over 80 ninth and tenth grade CSF Scholars from Bremerton, Port Angeles, Mount Vernon and Marysville high schools attended this event and spent the day learning about the field of oncology. After hearing from physicians and residents talk about their various paths to oncology, CSF Scholars rotated through experiential stations where they used ultrasound technology, learned surgeon stitching techniques by practicing on bananas and engaged with real human organs such as kidneys of oncology patients (donated to the lab). 

By exposing students to various medical disciplines and procedures, and introducing them to professionals in the field, CSF and our industry partners are inspiring these young scholars to pursue careers in medicine––ultimately with the goal of reducing the significant healthcare inequities that exist in Washington’s healthcare systems.

With the healthcare industry projected to grow rapidly over the next decade, CSF’s partnerships with partners like UW’s Doctor for a Day and Seattle Science Foundation are critical for encouraging and developing the next generation of healthcare professionals.